Post-Treatment Retainers

Retainers play an important role in maintaining your new smile after your orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign is complete. They help keep your teeth in their corrected positions while your mouth adjusts after treatment.

Most patients are instructed to wear their retainer full time for a period after completing active treatment, followed by nighttime wear as recommended by their orthodontist.

Because teeth naturally shift over time, wearing your retainer as directed is an important part of protecting your results and helping your smile stay straight for years to come.

How often you need to wear your retainer will depend on your orthodontic treatment and your orthodontist's recommendations. In the first few months after braces or Invisalign treatment, you will typically need to wear your retainer full time, removing it only to eat, brush, floss, or participate in activities where a sports mouth guard is needed.

This early stage of retention is important because your teeth are still adjusting to their new positions and are more likely to shift. As your smile becomes more stable, your orthodontist may recommend transitioning to wearing your retainer less often, such as only while you sleep.

Following your orthodontist's instructions and wearing your retainer as recommended can help maintain your results and keep your smile straight over time.

With proper care and regular cleaning, most retainers can last for several years. However, the lifespan of your retainer will depend on how often you wear it, how well you care for it, and the type of retainer you have.

You may need to replace your retainer if it becomes cracked, damaged, or no longer fits properly. A retainer that feels loose may not be providing the support your teeth need, while cracks or chips can affect its durability and effectiveness.

You should also replace your retainer if it develops buildup that cannot be removed with regular cleaning. If you notice any changes to the condition or fit of your retainer, contact your orthodontist for guidance.

You should remove your retainer before eating to help prevent damage and keep it in good condition. Eating while wearing your retainer can put pressure on it and may cause it to crack, break, or become misshapen.

You should also remove your retainer before drinking hot beverages or drinks that can stain, as heat can affect the shape of the retainer and darker liquids may cause discolouration.

Drinking water while wearing your retainer is safe and can help keep your mouth hydrated throughout the day.

Cleaning your retainer regularly helps remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria, keeping it fresh and comfortable to wear. You should clean your retainer at least once a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild unscented liquid soap, and cool or room-temperature water.

Gently brush your retainer to clean away buildup, then rinse it thoroughly to remove any remaining soap before wearing it again. Avoid using hot water, as it can affect the shape of the retainer.

For additional cleaning, you can soak your retainer in a specially designed retainer cleaning solution as needed. These products can help remove stubborn buildup and keep your retainer feeling fresh.

When you're not wearing or cleaning your retainer, it's important to store it somewhere safe so it doesn't get lost or damaged. We recommend storing your retainer in the case it comes in any time it's not in your mouth.

Always remember to clean and dry your retainer and its carrying case thoroughly first, to prevent bacteria from forming.

Wearing your retainer as recommended by your orthodontist is the best way to help maintain your orthodontic results. However, if you occasionally forget to wear it, there is usually no need to worry. Simply put it back in and return to your regular retainer schedule as soon as you remember.

If your retainer feels tight when you put it back in, this may be a sign that your teeth have started to shift. If your retainer no longer fits comfortably or you have gone an extended period without wearing it, contact your orthodontist for guidance.

Consistent retainer wear is important because teeth can naturally move over time. Wearing your retainer as directed can help protect your smile and reduce the chance that additional orthodontic treatment may be needed.